Extension Connection
Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources Update
December 2022
A note from your Educator
I can't believe we have already hit December! Where did this year go? I hope everyone has a chance to slow down and catch up with friends and family as the holidays unfold. Remember to cherish your time together.
Happy Holidays.
Best,
Mercedes
Biochar Soil Amendment Demonstration
The beginning of November, Carlton County Extension in partnership with Carlton SWCD and the City of Cloquet hosted a public demonstration on the burning of biochar. Using Oregon kilns provided by SWCD, biochar was made from buckthorn collected around the area. The concept of taking an invasive species, changing it and applying to soil for the better, is something very fascinating.
You might be asking, what is biochar? Biochar is a form of long lasting charcoal that can be used as a natural soil amendment. As biomass is burned down, the burning process is stopped before the wood is completely turned to ash. From here, this can be incorporated into soils.
How does it work? Due to the makeup of biochar it has really great water holding and filtration capacity. The micropores within the material suck up the water and hold onto that. Not only does it hold water, but it holds nutrients needed in the soil as well. Soil is alive with numerous microbes and bacteria that aid in the breakdown and betterment of soil matter. Biochar works really well if it is added in addition to manure or compost. As everything is mixed together, the biochar grabs onto the nutrients and microorganisms to be better stored, and used in the soil.
Biochar is a unique option for renovating a overrun space on your property. Whether your a farmer, gardener, or looking to improve some of your potting mixes, biochar is option.
Photo above: Brad M. of Carlton County SWCD and Master Gardener Judy W. monitor the biochar burn
Margie Menzies of Hawk Ridge presents "Beginning Birding" to a full Community Connect class on November 17th below
Minnesota Department of Ag Down Payment Assistance Grant
Zoom links are available for the meetings at: www.mda.state.mn.us/down-payment-assistance-grant-program
Tell your friends!
2022 Minnesota Cattle Industry Convention Dec. 9 & 10 in Willmar
Attend the 2022 Soil Management Summit
The Soil Management Summit emphasizes proven farmer experience and applied science. Straight from the fields, learn how heavier, colder soils aren't necessarily the challenge they're made out to be. Hear from long- time no till, reduced tillage, and cover crop farmers as they share their experiences, so you can be spared the same hard-learned lessons.
The summit features presentations and Q & A with researchers, farmers, agricultural advisors, information from sponsors, and conversations with farmers experienced in different soil health practices.
Registration is $180. Follow the link to register.
https://extension.umn.edu/courses-and-events/soil-management-summit
Holidays and food safety
- Are green eggs and ham safe to eat?
- Beware of unsafe ways to cook turkey
- Is your homemade food gift safe to eat?
- Mailing food gifts
- Making homemade egg nog that's safe
- Party food safety tips
- Safety of hard cooked eggs for dyeing
- Twelve food safety mistakes of the holiday season
https://extension.umn.edu/food-safety/preserving-and-preparing#holidays-and-food-safety-1961914
Pollinator Habitat Webinar Series
Are you interested in creating pollinator habitat, but you don't know where to begin? Check out this upcoming webinar series to help guide you in your pollinator plan. University of Minnesota Extension Educators are excited to bring you this webinar series on creating your own pollinator habitat. This three-part series will cover how to create a pollinator-friendly garden, bee lawn and prairie planting. Join us January 31, February 1 and 2 from 1:30-2:30 pm each afternoon for this free webinar. You must pre-register for this series a http://z.umn.edu/BeeSeries to receive the webinar links.
Spotted around the County
A mink has been spotted around the county this month. A very common species to find here in Minnesota. Easily recognized by its long body, rounded ears, whitish belly, and a white or yellow bib on the front. Mink usually prefer hollowed out logs or banks to live in near a water front. Mink are nocturnal animals and not commonly seen, but tracks in the snow can be found and usually lead you to their homes. With no natural predators, and litter sizes up to 5 or 6, these guys are abundant. The diet typically consists of anything they can find near the water such as fish, frogs, crayfish, eggs, worms, mice, and more. Pursing its next meal can be done with ease, as mink can travel by land or water.
Check out the Minnesota DNR website for more information.
-Information provided by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Extension Office closures - December
Interested in learning more about Carlton County 4-H news and events?
Carlton County Extension Staff
Tracey Hartung, Administrative Specialist thartung@umn.edu
Katie Siltanen, 4-H Educator silta006@umn.edu
Mercedes Moffett, Agriculture Educator, moffe029@umn.edu
Ann Rust, Vol Coord & Horticulture Assist rustx048@umn.edu
Email: mnext-Carlton@umn.edu
Website: https://local.extension.umn.edu/local/carlton
Location: 317 Chestnut Avenue, Carlton, MN, USA
Phone: 218-384-3511
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UofMNExt